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Illinois farmer optimistic about crop prospects despite challenging spring

A central Illinois farmer says his crops are off to a good start despite a challenging spring.

Matt Bennett, who grows corn and soybeans in Shelby County, tells Brownfield…

“We really had three windows to plant, early to mid-April, and then a little bit right there at the end of April, and then, of course, we had to do some planting a couple weeks later in May.”  He says, “Fortunately, we were able to get everything up and going.”

He says recent rains have improved soil moisture, so he’s optimistic about the crop’s prospects.

“We replanted less than 100 acres or spotted in. Some of it was beans, some of it was corn. But we felt like we were pretty fortunate overall.”  He says, “To be honest with you, our crops look really good right now. I would say we’ve got a chance at a record type yield if Mother Nature cooperates the rest of the year.”

Statewide, the USDA says 96% of the corn crop is planted, up 5% from last week, with 88% emerged, and 67% rated good to excellent, while 93% of soybeans are planted, up 4% from last week, with 84% emerged and 64% in good to excellent condition.  The Illinois winter wheat crop is rated 73% in good to excellent condition with 4% harvested.

AUDIO: Matt Bennett – AgMarket.net & Illinois farmer